Challenges

     The old man is sitting beneath the Truth Tree as a misty rain falls and he is surprised to see a few young ones who visit with him approaching their gathering place. 
     "My children, come closer beneath the arms of my friend. It will offer some protection for you," he calls out to them.
     As they gather around him, he asks, "Do you need to share words today? I will be glad to share with you though nature is not so welcoming this morning."
     "Sir, we were sharing our thoughts about other lessons you have brought to us and found ourselves wondering about challenges we encounter," a young woman says and then continues, "but we will speak to you another time when nature is more forgiving."
     "We can speak now if you wish as what I would share with you will not take many words," he says and sees the exchanged glances and the smiles shared between them.
     The old man begins, "Challenges are simply part of life and are to be expected. We do not grow unless we are dared to. Nor do we love or believe or even dream unless we are dared to by our inner spirit. Challenges are those dares that enable us to touch the sky, to drink deeply of joy, and to embrace the sadness that will visit us from time to time. We must not be unopened doors, closed curtains, or journals kept hidden.
      "We must bring challenges into the light, into the truth and honesty of our lives. If we do not, we will be like a weeping willow with no tears on a hill of unrealized dreams, a rainbow with no color or promise, or a shadow with no individuality in a world of darkness. Every challenge, no matter how large or small, is given to us for a reason. We may not ever know that reason but if we face it and learn from it, we will then give it a purpose. Remember your past, celebrate your present, and look forward to your future, my young friends. Meet your challenges, introduce yourselves to them, and take the dare. Live!"
     The rain is increasing steadily as the old man rises and says, "I have spoken more words than planned and it seems that nature has much more to say to us so I believe it is time for us to seek stronger shelter.  Be well, my friends, and thank you for sharing this time with me."
     "Thank you, Sir," the young ones say in unison and  begin to walk swiftly back to the village. The old man watches them and is so proud that they thirst for answers to their questions. They are beginning to see how they can shape their lives and their journeys.
     And once again he hears the whisper of the Creator, "It is good, is it not, my son?" The old man nods and says, "Yes, indeed it is."